The 5 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes in the Flemish Ardennes

The Flemish Ardennes are undoubtedly the most beautiful playground for cyclists in Flanders. With its rolling landscapes, winding roads, hidden gems, and charming little villages, this region is a true paradise for anyone who hops on a bike. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely ride along a flat towpath or want to put your calves to the test on the famous cobblestones and climbs of the spring classics, this region has something for everyone.

And if you hit the road on a refurbished Upway e-bike, tackling this hilly terrain becomes a breeze. With that little extra boost, you’ll climb even the steepest trails without breaking a sweat. To help you plan your next ride, we’ve selected the 5 best cycling routes in the Flemish Ardennes—a ranking based on the beauty of the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and accessibility.

Key Points to Remember

• Something for everyone: the region combines flat, car-free towpaths along the waterways with challenging and exhilarating hills.
• Nature and culture: You’ll pass by water mills, breweries, and vast nature reserves home to rare flora and fauna.
• Ideal for e-bikes: even the steepest hills (such as the Berendries or the Kanarieberg) are much easier to climb thanks to the electric assist, allowing you to fully enjoy the exceptional views.

1. Zwalmstreek Circuit (Kaaimeersen)

The Zwalm Valley, north of the Flemish Ardennes, is one of the region’s most popular cycling destinations. Here you’ll discover a magnificent blend of babbling streams, rolling landscapes, and historic water mills. This route takes you past the authentic IJzerkot mill, which is still in working order. It then takes you deep into the heart of the Kaaimeersen, a 37-hectare nature reserve where many rare meadow birds—such as the curlew and the common snipe—have made their home.

• Distance: 23.6 km
• Duration: about 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Difficulty: moderate and very accessible
• Who it's for: nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet, for a short outing punctuated by nostalgic stops

2. Scheldt Tour (Oudenaarde and Kluisbergen)

Are you looking for a relaxed ride without any extreme climbs? This is the route for you. Most of this route follows the car-free towpath that runs alongside the meandering Scheldt River. Starting from the historic town of Oudenaarde, you’ll cycle toward Kluisbergen. The dreaded Koppenberg, with gradients reaching up to 25%, is deliberately avoided on this route. Along the way, you’ll occasionally leave the towpath to explore notable sites such as the castle grounds at the Domaine de Ghellinck and the Scheldemeersen in Avelgem. This type of easy route is perfect for a versatile electric hybrid bike, capable of handling both paved roads and secondary paths.

• Distance: 36.4 km (some variations are up to 38.7 km)
• Duration: about 2 hours and 10 minutes
• Difficulty: easy and relatively flat
• Who it's for: beginners, families, and cyclists who want to relax on a comfortable e-bike

3. Muziekbos Trail – Ronse

Get ready for a challenge, because this loop around the town of Ronse is seriously tough. The route takes you through the magnificent Muziekbos, a forest that turns a mesmerizing shade of blue in the spring thanks to the blooming wild hyacinths. During this ride, you’ll also reach the highest point in the province of East Flanders: the Hotond (150 meters above sea level). Be careful on the steep descent of the Kanarieberg, where the gradient reaches 14%.

• Distance: 45.4 km
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
• Difficulty: difficult / challenging
• Who it's for: competitive cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts who love tackling elevation gains and enjoying breathtaking views

4. Dendre Valley Tour – Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is, of course, known for its legendary “Muur,” but this route spares you the climb. Instead, you’ll cycle for kilometers along the most beautiful flat stretch of the Dendre River. Around every bend of the car-free towpath, a new idyllic scene unfolds. You’ll pass through charming little villages and take a break at the vast De Gavers recreational park. And of course, it would be unthinkable to leave town without sampling an authentic Geraardsbergen mattentaart. Discover more beautiful cycling routes throughout Belgium on the Upway blog.

• Distance: 42.8 km
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
• Difficulty: moderate (thanks to the long flat stretches along the water)
• Who it's for: Recreational cyclists who want to combine exploring nature with local cuisine

5. 't Burreken–Brakel Circuit

In the cycling paradise of Brakel, the Flemish Ardennes form a picturesque patchwork of flower-filled meadows, woods, and fields. This challenging route takes you through the unique and extremely hilly 't Burreken nature reserve. Your e-bike will be your best ally here, as you’ll have to tackle a few “giants” from the Flemish spring classics, such as the steep Leberg and the Berendries. Fortunately, the effort is more than rewarded by breathtaking views, especially from the Toepkapel. For this type of elevation gain, we recommend checking out our guide to the best electric hybrid bikes to find the model that suits your skill level.

• Distance: 42.3 km
• Duration: about 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Difficulty: athletic / challenging
• Who it's for: Experienced cyclists and nature lovers with a powerful e-bike

Battery and Gears: Tips for E-Bikes in Hilly Terrain

If you’re tackling the hills of the Flemish Ardennes on one of Upway high-end refurbished e-bikes, knowing how to manage your gearing is essential. Many riders make the mistake of switching to maximum pedal assist while forgetting to shift down manually. On climbs like the Berendries or the Kanarieberg, it’s better to select a low gear and maintain a high cadence on your own. This way, your mid-drive motor will consume significantly less energy, you’ll prevent the system from overheating, and you’ll maximize your battery’s range. That way, you can be sure you’ll still have enough power for those final kilometers against the wind on the towpath!

Would you like to explore other regions first before heading to the Flemish Ardennes? Check out our article on e-bike rides and tours in Belgium for some inspiration. And if you’re looking for a high-quality Belgian e-bike to ride these routes, be sure to check out our selection of refurbished Belgocycle e-bikes.

Summary of the 5 Most Beautiful Routes

Frequently asked questions

1. Which cycling route in the Flemish Ardennes is best for beginners?

The Scheldt Loop (between Oudenaarde and Kluisbergen) is ideal for beginners. At 36.4 km long, it mostly follows the flat, car-free towpath along the Scheldt, allowing you to avoid difficult climbs.

2. Can these routes be traveled by electric bike (e-bike)?

Yes, absolutely! The Flemish Ardennes are the perfect region for e-bikes. Especially on the routes around Ronse and Brakel, where you’ll face challenging climbs like the Berendries or the Hotond, an e-bike will provide the perfect assistance to help you fully enjoy the surroundings.

3. On which route can you find the most water mills?

The Zwalmstreek trail is famous for its historic watermills. During this 23.6-km ride, you’ll pass by the magnificent, perfectly restored IJzerkot mill, among other sights.

4. Which is the most difficult track on the list?

The Muziekbos–Ronse loop (45.4 km) is one of the most challenging routes. Along the way, you’ll tackle the descent of the Kanarieberg (with gradients of up to 14%) and reach the Hotond, the highest point in the province of East Flanders at an elevation of 150 meters.

5. Are there any car-free sections where families can ride safely?

Absolutely! Both the Scheldt Trail (which runs along the Scheldt) and the Dendre Valley Trail (which runs along the Dendre) follow towpaths for many kilometers that are completely free of traffic. These safe paths are perfect for a relaxing family outing, far from car traffic.

Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: June 17, 2025 | 6-minute read

About the Author: Hanna Stevens

Hanna is a cycling enthusiast who loves discovering new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire more people to get around by bike.